The Goofers were 5 Italian musicians originally part of Louis Prima’s
big band, during the time of Keely Smith. They developed a one-of-a-kind
novelty act, playing their instruments while on pogo sticks or hanging upside
down from a trapeze. Their musical style was swing/be-bop, often with all 5
members singing/harmonizing together. The members sometimes also wore masks. Louis
would feature these five very talented Italian musicians, until one day, they
decided to break out on their own, managed by Mannie Greenfield.

They started performing on their own live in 1951 through 1963 with over
30 live performances including Royal Command Performances for Bautista (Cuba)
and Queen Elizabeth II. Their longest running engagement was at the Flamingo in
Las Vegas in 1956 (periodically for approximately 4 years), opening for the
Mills Brothers. They were a favorite of Ed Sullivan, appearing on his show 8
times. Their other television appearances included Toast Of The Town, Jackie Gleason Show and Perry Como Show. They were featured in the cult movie, Bop Girl Goes Calypso, which showcased several of their songs.

The Goofers produced 13 single records, 26 songs, including 3 originals,
from 1955 through 1959 on Coral, Port and Tiara Records. They covered a lot of
Black artists between 1954 and 1956 and sold a lot of records to a still very
much segregated audience. This was one such record from 1955, Coral 61383 (Flip, Flop And Fly).

They borrowed heavily from the Bill Haley & The
Comets sound, thanks to producer Paul Cohen. This sold a lot of records and got
tons of air-play on radio stations where Big Joe Turner had no chance of being
heard over the air.